Aerospace Studies (Minor)
The Aerospace Studies minor complements the Air Force ROTC curriculum with 16 credit hours focused on leadership, communication and national security. Students develop military professionalism and discipline through weekly leadership labs and physical training sessions three times per week. Designed to build critical thinking and leadership, the program prepares students for rewarding Air Force or Space Force careers requiring teamwork and strategic decision-making.
This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.
Minor in Aerospace Studies
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Aerospace Science
Academic Plan Code(s): AER1MINOR, AER2MINOR
Program Requirements
Track I
For students with no prior military service.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIRS 101 | Department of the Air Force (DAF) Professionalism | 1 |
| AIRS 102 | Competition and Security | 1 |
| AIRS 201 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals I | 1 |
| AIRS 202 | Team and Leadership Fundamentals II | 1 |
| AIRS 311 | Leading People and Effective Communication I | 3 |
| AIRS 312 | Leading People and Effective Communication II | 3 |
| AIRS 411 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation I | 3 |
| AIRS 412 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II | 3 |
| Select six credit hours from the following: | 6 | |
HIST 314 | History of US Foreign Relations II | |
Any History course approved for the "Asia, Africa, Latin America" area of the major in History | ||
POLS 204 | Introduction to International Relations | |
POLS 333 | American Foreign Policy | |
POLS 338 | National and International Security: Issues and Policies | |
POLS 339 | Terrorism | |
3-6 hours in languages (in additional to any language requirements of the student's major) | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 22 | |
Track II
For students who enter the program after their sophomore year or students with prior military service who have received credit for AIRS 101, AIRS 102, AIRS 201 and AIRS 202 from the Department Chair.
Students in this track who have not received credit for these courses will take them during an extended summer Field Training encampment.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIRS 311 | Leading People and Effective Communication I | 3 |
| AIRS 312 | Leading People and Effective Communication II | 3 |
| AIRS 411 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation I | 3 |
| AIRS 412 | National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II | 3 |
| Select nine credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
HIST 314 | History of US Foreign Relations II | |
Any History course approved for the "Asia, Africa, Latin America" area of the major in History | ||
POLS 330 | ||
POLS 333 | American Foreign Policy | |
POLS 338 | National and International Security: Issues and Policies | |
POLS 339 | Terrorism | |
3-9 hours in languages (in addition to any language requirements of the student's major) | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 21 | |
At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.